Swiss Side just launched a 68mm wheelset that could be banned in a few months time

Swiss Side's new Hadron 3 wheelset incorporates the brand's latest aero research, and adds ceramic bearings but shuns composite spokes in a 68mm wheelset UCI says will be illegal in sanctioned events come 2026

Swiss Side Hadron 3 wheelset shown on Van Rysel team bike at 2025 Tour De France
Swiss Side's new wheels, spotted yesterday pre-launch at 2025 Tour De France in Lille
(Image credit: Andy Carr)

In June of last year the UCI announced a slew of technological changes that will take effect on January 1st 2026. Based on recommendations from SafeR, the organisation dedicated to improving safety in professional road cycling, they included a limit on rim depth, with the UCI stating that “the height of the rims of wheels used in road races will be limited to 65mm”. Which makes Swiss Side’s decision to forge ahead with its new 68mm depth wheel interesting to say the least.

We spotted the wheels on Felix Gall's Van Rysel this week. The Austrian is set to lead the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale team at the Tour de France. The wheel manufacturer said it’s “awaiting clarity from the UCI about the legality of the 68mm deep Ultimate 680 wheel for 2026, in light of the unexpected ruling from 20th June 2025.”

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Freelance writer

Luke Friend has worked as a writer, editor and copywriter for over twenty five years. Across books, magazines and websites, he's covered a broad range of topics for a range of clients including Major League Baseball, Golf Digest, the National Trust and the NHS. He has an MA in Professional Writing from Falmouth University and is a qualified bicycle mechanic. He has been a cycling enthusiast from an early age, partly due to watching the Tour de France on TV. He's a keen follower of bike racing to this day as well as a regular road and gravel rider.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.